108 containers towards Korala border point after floods

Kathmandu. The Korala border point of Mustang has been used as an alternative route for goods entering Nepal from China after the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung and Tatopani border points were affected by the floods. Information Officer of Armed Police Force Mustang, Bishnu Poudel, said that 108 cargo containers were sent to Korala border point after the floods in Rasuwa.

According to him, after the main northern border points were affected, the number of containers carrying goods from China to Lichi (Korala) of China via Kathmandu has increased. Lately, the number of cargo vehicles has also increased at the Korala border point.

Former federal lawmaker Prem Prasad Tulachan said that the government and people’s representatives should pay special attention to the management of roads and infrastructure at Korala border point in view of the increasing business pressure. He said that the import from Korala border point should be made systematic and effective now to facilitate the supply of food and daily consumables required for the upcoming Dashain.

According to Tulachan, the Korala border point has now emerged as an important alternative trade route as the supply from Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani border points has been affected. He said that the government and the concerned authorities should pay immediate attention to create an environment for the smooth import of Chinese goods from this border point.

“Looking at the current situation, Korala border point is not only optional but can also become an important border point for trade with China in the coming days. Therefore, infrastructure like roads, customs, parking should be prepared on time,” Tulachan said.

According to Bidur Chudal, Chief Customs Officer of the Mustang Customs Office, if the Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani border points remain closed for a long time and the trade pressure is diverted, then about 100 containers will have to be managed daily. He said that it will be a challenge to manage such pressure with the current manpower and infrastructure. According to him, 10 to 12 containers have crossed the border point every day.

The increased pressure at Korala border point after Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani border points were affected has further exposed its commercial potential. Immediate coordination between the government, people’s representatives and concerned bodies is needed to manage the supply of daily essentials and to manage the increasing container movement in view of the upcoming Dashain and Tihar festivals.